From: Elliott
The defending National Champions and current #6 ranked Fighting Gamecocks travel to #1 Florida today. This is what college baseball is all about. Caution Gamecock fans, do not let your expectations get away from you. The Gators came to Columbia and took 2 close games to claim the SEC title last year and now they get the games at home. Yes, 2010 closer Kevin Chapman is gone and he played a huge role in the Gator victories last season. However, this Gator staff is deep. LSU head man, Paul Mainieri, felt the Florida staff was the deepest he has ever seen in college baseball. There are 7-8 guys who throw 93-94. Nobody goes to Alex Box stadium and sweeps LSU, but the Gators did last weekend. Prior to the mid-week offensive explosion, the Gamecock sticks were in a slumber. There awakening gives a glimmer of hope, but a successful weekend will be winning one, yes one game. 2010 Friday starter, Alex Panteliodis, is not even in the rotation this season. On Sunday, the Gators will trot out Karsten Whitsen, who was selected 9th by San Diego and turned down over 2 million dollars to become a Gator. Whitsen brings a mid nineties fastball with a plus breaking pitch and change. The Gamecocks will not be intimidated, but this will be a gut check weekend. Win at least one!
